@grahamnp, this is the D3100 topic. As for the D7000, yes, it can write Raw and JPEG separate, Stills and Video separate, and probably more possibilities with the Dual card slots. But it stays 1 buffer.

Today i got my hands on d3100, and first impression is amazing - it can focus much faster than d5000, also in live mode. I didnt had much time with it, just 5 minutes before battery run out, so i couldnt even check out settings and so, but as a camera it has solid feel just like 550D. New 4 way joystick is much more comfortable to use than on d5000, on which it felt cheap and not so well made. Only bad thing about it is lens - they are just too huge to comfortable use, focus ring is quite good bud zoom ring is really big - kit needs better lens, 550D has a more comfortable zoom ring.
What i mostly like is new screen, and also viewfinder, which is (for me) better.

Some photos i managed to get - please, dont kill me i never shooted with DSLR, and this was just point and shoot on automatic and Apreture modes.

Can you tell me which lenses you are comparing of Canon and Nikon? To me the kit lens (18-55 or 18-105) would seem to be the best partner to a camera like the D3100. Remember it is not a mirrorless camera or even a compact (Point and shoot)

`I am testing the D3100 with the 18-55mm and I'll be comparing it to the Canon body(s) with their 18-55mm.`

Oh thank you - there is a God! Been scouring the intarweb looking for a good review. Looks like I won`t be waiting long. I always enjoy your reviews Gordon - your dedication and professionalism shines through and really helps us make better decisions.

Looking at the low ISO images, I'd have to say the Nikon has lower sharpening and saturation at default. That was certainly true of my D90. It raises an interesting question for reviewers: to show the cameras at default settings (which most do) and have the camera with the snappier settings look better; or adjust the cameras for optimum image quality to show what they are capable of, and risk taking flak from those that claim you are biased and favored one over the other with your choice of settings.

Personally, I favor the latter approach, as then I know what the camera can do, as opposed to thinking it's lagging behind and might be able to do better if i fiddle with the settings.

Hi Jerry, that's the question every reviewer and publisher has to ask themselves. I'm a great believer in using the default settings as that's how the majority of owners will use the cameras, especially more affordable ones like the D3100. Members of forums and other enthusiasts may like to tweak the settings, but they represent the minority for a product like this.

That said, I do try and include sample images for people to download and play with, and since posting the comparison, I've uploaded two to flickr for your perusal - including the 1600 ISO original of the high ISO sequence.

Personally though, I thought the D3100 did very well in that High ISO sequence - remember the 550D / T2i is a pricier camera.